Houston Texans Still Missing One More Piece

By Devin O'Barr

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

When Glover Quin left the Houston Texans this offseason and joined forces with the Detroit Lions, worry began to mount inside the organization. Nearly a week later, the team would lose Connor Barwin to the Philadelphia Eagles after he played 94% of the team’s defensive snaps in 2013.

Fortunately, the Texans made an improvement at safety by bringing in an NFL champion in Ed Reed to replace Quin at safety. Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has to be excited about this move as it gives a young Texans defense some much-needed veteran expertise. I have no doubt this move will make the defense much better as a group, but the Texans offense has a glaring weakness.

I have been saying it since the Texans were bounced from the playoffs in January–this team lacks a play-making wide receiver alongside Andre Johnson. If this potent offense was to make a signing at that position, they would be my odds-on favorite to win Super Bowl XLVIII. However, until they bring in someone who Matt Schaub can target in the postseason, I do not see the Texans winning the AFC.

It was obvious last year that the Texans were minus another offensive weapon. Johnson is entering his thirties so the Texans are only hurting themselves by not preparing for his demise. Johnson will no longer be the stud receiver he has been in years past if the organization refuses to surround him with talent. That goes for Arian Foster, too. The offense is already asking him to be a threat on the ground and making him a factor through the passing game is too much.